UAB beats Southern Miss, 71-61, at Bartow Arena

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- It wasn't UAB's first win at Bartow Arena this season but Wednesday night's 71-61 triumph over Conference USA leader Southern Miss was certainly the most impressive home win.

UAB never trailed in the second half, even though the game was tied twice after halftime. For a change, the Blazers were also the best team down the stretch.

Cameron Moore was the best player on the floor. The 6-foot-10 senior scored 27 points, hitting 12-of-16 shots from the field, grabbed 12 rebounds, blocked three shots and had two steals.

"I thought he was special," said UAB head coach Mike Davis. "I thought it was his best game. I always say he leaves 10 points on the court. Tonight, was probably the least points he left on the court the whole year. He was really aggressive."

Jordan Swing also made some big plays, including a huge 3-pointer with 1:05 left that gave UAB a 65-57 lead.

UAB shot 61.9 percent from the field in the first half and limited the Golden Eagles to 37.5 percent from the field. But the Blazers still only led, 32-28, at halftime. The problem was Southern Miss had eight offensive rebounds, which led to 11 more shots than the Blazers.

In the second half, though, UAB kept Southern Miss off the offensive boards, allowing only four offensive rebounds. The Blazers finished with a 34-25 advantage on rebounds.

"Even when we got within four, I really had no hope," said Southern Miss head coach Larry Eustachy. "We were just getting pushed all over the place and fortunate to be close to it. We just got manhandled tonight. The rebounds indicate it, and the shooting percentage indicates it."